About the Author

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 137

(134)
Mary,
September 15, 2016 8:23 PM

hope

This is quite inspiring. It is in the nature of a person to give up if one does not see progress in what one considers a timely fashion. One needs to be reminded that often progress is occurring just under the surface.

(133)
karen,
September 9, 2014 1:17 AM

Wonderful and inspiring

I am a teacher and I use this during my "Meet the Teacher Night." I teach kids in 4th and 5th grades...I use it with the parents of my 5th grade students. THEY are my bamboos!

(132)
Mustafa Eloudi,
December 17, 2013 11:27 AM

Beautiful and inspiring story. Im a muslim myself and believe that every religion has something valuable to offer. This Rabbi is telling the truth and I for on can truly appreciate it

(131)
Victor Rosenbaum,
September 9, 2013 8:42 AM

Very Uplifting.

That was a very uplifting and movie video thanks for the inspiration.

(130)
Anonymous,
September 2, 2013 8:04 PM

So Inspiring!

Wow! So smart and Inspiring! Thanks for posting this!

(129)
Janis Kohlenberg,
September 1, 2013 5:43 PM

Beautiful and very inspiring

This took my breath away. It is inspiring for anyone of any age, I wish I had seen this a long time ago. Thanks so much for sharing it.

(128)
Ruth Morrow,
March 18, 2013 7:18 PM

Thank you for this wonderful video!

A friend sent me this video and I have posted it on my Facebook page....I never knew about your website and am so blessed to now be on your mailing list. I have just published a little booklet called God's Bamboo Principle and this video is a wonderful pictorial of what I discuss in my book. Thank you so much.

(127)
SARAH CHEE,
September 15, 2012 4:31 PM

SURPRISE!

I'M A CHINESE AND I NEVER KNEW THIS ABOUT THE BAMBOO! AND THE LESSON'S JUST WHAT I NEED RIGHT NOW, TOO! THANK YOU SO MUCH, AISH, FOR HAVING THIS. IT REALLY UPLIFTED ME.

(126)
Anonymous,
September 14, 2012 5:59 AM

This is a beautiful story with a morale. If we try to do good and obey the laws of Hashem, we will inherently grow whether we
see this growth or not!

(125)
Aliza,
September 12, 2012 6:31 PM

Bamboo

So interesting. In my family, we use bamboo as schach. Could be that this lesson reaches into Sukkot to teach us the same message- what we've decided and put into action on Rosh Hashana, carries through to Sukkot and beyond. We need to keep on pushing even if we don't see results right away.
Something to think about as I look into the night sky this Sukkot B"EH!

Debby Ehrman,
September 15, 2012 6:39 PM

TY for your insight. I too will tell this to my family in the Succa . Our growth is not always measured by what we see and the accolades we get. The results of our actions are sometimes seen muchlater or in the ner world.

(124)
Karen Meyer,
September 9, 2012 2:16 AM

Time is what one needs to conquer their trepasses

This is a beautiful story for our young generation to show them that continued work and effort on their part can make changes. The old adage is true Patience is a Virtue!

(123)
Tall Swimmer,
September 7, 2012 2:38 AM

Quite the impact

What a beautiful teaching. I needed this reminder today, and have renewed resolve to live my passion. Thank you for sharing this with us.

(122)
Anonymous,
September 7, 2012 2:13 AM

beautiful

inspirational story

(121)
Anonymous,
September 3, 2012 5:21 AM

Beautiful story, and fitting title since the Chinese are known as the Jews of Asia.

(120)
k tshabalala,
September 3, 2012 1:04 AM

magical

Thank you, one is inspired to keep working on oneself even when the immediate results are not so obvious.

(119)
Anonymous,
September 2, 2012 11:09 PM

A nice message, but a bad analogy.

Individual bamboo stems emerge from the ground and grow to their full height in a single growing season of 3 to 4 months.
In the next two years, the wall of each stem hardens, and matures. Over the next 2–5 years (depending on species) fungus and mold begin to form on the outside of each stem or culm, which penetrate and overcome them and within 5 – 8 years later fungal and mold growth causes them to collapse and decay.
The the shown in the first minute (to 0:58) of this video are not bamboo, and neither is the "enormous network of roots" shown.
Again, some species of bamboo can grow to 40 feet in height in one 3 to 4 month growing season, and where they grow they are not dependent on being hand watered.

Anonymous,
September 10, 2012 8:19 AM

Sometimes Information Misses The Mark

Indeed, these things may be true about a different Species and not really Bamboo, but with it you miss the Mark Completely. Thank you for your information, but how has it built up or made any real difference? Plainly put, so what?

Mellisa,
September 14, 2012 9:34 AM

this was not a video about bamboo

Neither is a child used to plant bamboo...the pictures where put there to get the message across NOT as information about bamboo.

(118)
Reuven Frank,
September 2, 2012 5:50 PM

Powerful & Beautiful

Whoa! Unbelievably beautiful and powerful message!
Brought me to tears right away.
I always seem to be more emotional around the Chaggim. This year is no different.
A wedding, a new job, a move to a new ap't.
A broken relationship.
But, now, my emotions have a direction.
Now, I'm in watering "mode."
Fruits come later.
Thanks again,
REALLY Good,
Reuven Frank

(117)
Anonymous,
September 2, 2012 3:24 PM

Thank you for the text with images

Thank you for presenting text with images. In the nursing home where I live, I use a public access computer that does not have speakers. I'm glad I was able to learn from this effective video.

(116)
Ann,
August 20, 2012 2:13 AM

I love this message! It is encouraging!

(115)
Anonymous,
August 13, 2012 9:45 PM

Chinese bamboo

Gives me hope, even at this "advanced age" (won't say what it is!) for dream to happen-still.

(114)
richard,
August 5, 2012 3:11 PM

Now THAT'S what I call a good video! Thank you Aish.

A wonderful lesson for life!

(113)
Scharman,
November 10, 2011 5:34 AM

Award winning

Beautiful- perfect

(112)
raymond,
September 29, 2011 4:03 PM

this was a drop of water in hot day it gives hope

(111)
Hadassah,
September 28, 2011 10:30 PM

wow!

Thank you for this awesome video.It is just what I need to hear and really inspired me to go forward and not give up.Keep up the great work!

(110)
Anonymous,
September 28, 2011 1:19 PM

very powerful message thank you aish.com!!shanah tova ;)

(109)
Anonymous,
September 28, 2011 12:23 AM

WOW

I really liked this. it is so nice to know especially right befor rosh hashana.

toall the brother and sister aroud the world shana tove frome me bernard

(101)
Irene Alhanati cardillo,
September 18, 2011 6:52 PM

Beautiful tale.

Thank you for sharing this moving message!
Shanah Tovah!

(100)
Anonymous,
September 11, 2011 7:49 PM

A insightful message to be reflected upon....loved it!!!!!

(99)
Anonymous,
September 8, 2011 2:10 AM

wow! i am i loved it. the message is so powerful and will help me always.

(98)
Alan Torem,
September 5, 2011 4:22 PM

Beautiful message

Tkank you

(97)
Anonymous,
January 28, 2011 11:34 AM

Deep thoughtful and meaningful video.
Thank you.
JF.

(96)
spiky,
September 14, 2010 6:49 PM

wow incredible what a great film be4 rosh hashana i think what ais do is unbelivable

(95)
Lidia Mariko Aoki Braz,
September 13, 2010 10:16 PM

thank you

My new year started differently for this video. Shana Tova.

(94)
Yosef Moshe,
September 12, 2010 12:04 PM

Wow, what a clip...

Wow, what a clip. This is amazing as I can relate this to myself in so many different ways, like what Hashem is doing to me now. Watch out some time in the future as the foundations are being layed in readyness for that burst of groth and fruitfulness.
I needed that encouragement in these times.

(93)
Anonymous,
September 9, 2010 12:27 AM

Loved this piece!!!!

(92)
Chana S.,
September 7, 2010 5:46 PM

Wow! This is so Amazing!

I love the story of the Bamboo taking 5 years to grow very tall. I feel like I have been growing through all my years, but there seems to be some stagnation. My husband and I have been taking note on our business growth from last year when we first opened it up to the singles. We had no clients last year, but now we have four plus two Teleclasses a few months ago. But it is so hard to market and I feel stuck like everyone out there. We both have skills to work, but I guess this movie makes a point as to show us that we must keep working on our goals in order to boost them up to where we want them. May Hashem bless us with a great strong New Year of productivity and success!

(91)
Anonymous,
September 7, 2010 1:36 AM

Observing and evaluation growth

Continuing the bamboo metaphor, I wonder what identifiable changes in the outward life or the inner soul of a Jewish person are equivalent to the extraordinary, visible growth of the bamboo plant. I wonder if oneself or anyone else will be able to tell; I do love the metaphor and hope it turns out to be true.

(90)
meir,
September 6, 2010 9:17 PM

beautiful story puts rosh hashana into a new perspective makes me think alot about everything ive done in which i saw no growth but now i know the truth!!

(89)
Anonymous,
September 6, 2010 5:13 PM

TYTYTYTY
That was SO inspiring!!
I really neded this.
Have a wonderfull & sweet & blessed new year to ALL!!

(88)
Tammy,
September 5, 2010 5:36 PM

This is insightful!

and so very true for many of us!!
Thank you!!

(87)
Toby,
September 3, 2010 7:00 AM

Watering for Greatness

How sweet! Every day of our life we are preparing for the next. The way we live our life today is preparing us for tomorrow. Our daily agenda, even tho unknown to others; preparing for something, will one day sprout up. The infusing roots in preparation to weather the storms to enhance our growth. Your video was inspiring. At the end of a long term assignment this video was uplifting, the best is yet to come. The discipline will reap a masterpiece of potential success.

(86)
Tatyana,
August 30, 2010 10:08 PM

very inspiring!

After 5 years of learning I felt that I'm not moving.
Now I know that I am!
thanks a lot

(85)
Anonymous,
August 26, 2010 10:19 PM

Great message for reluctant exercisers and dieters....

How true. People who succeed don't do so overnight--it takes years of patient cultivation and persistence. I loved this one!!!

We really needed this right now. It is very hard when it is taking years, to see the "end of the story" in our lives right now.

(81)
Karen,
August 24, 2010 3:47 PM

This was absolutely perfect and what I needed. It gives me hope to know that all is not hopeless. It's also quite beautiful to the eyes.

(80)
Anonymous,
August 22, 2010 10:07 PM

Wow! What an inspiration!

Kal Hakovod to whoever took the time and put in the effort to put together this phonomenal video! What a good pick-me-up it is! Knowing that every little positive step I take is saved up and used towards my growth helps me keep going! Keep up the fantabulous work!

(79)
HEMA G. NAIR,
August 21, 2010 6:46 AM

so encouraging...

(78)
Shoshana Zakon,
August 20, 2010 6:59 PM

Growth takes time.

Very comforting and encouraging.

(77)
Pessy,
August 15, 2010 9:21 PM

Beautiful, and uplifting

Thank you for this inspiring and encouraging message.

(76)
Shimon,
August 15, 2010 5:32 PM

How inspiring

What an inspirational video!
I've already added the URL to my signature!
I'm sure I'll be able to give over this message much better with such a powerful metaphor!
Aish you've done it again, well done, keep up the good work!

(75)
Anonymous,
August 11, 2010 3:23 AM

aish, u have no idea what amazing powers u have! i was on the web, just you know... doing what teenagers like to do best and i decided 2 check out ur site and i ttly got inspired by this video!! ur site rly helps and encourages many people, young and old alike! keep up ur great work! :) thanx!!

(74)
ay lemmel,
November 18, 2009 7:28 PM

thanks aish

aish you re really good

(73)
Jacob,
November 4, 2009 2:11 AM

Highly encouraging - similar to youtube video

I stumbled on another one in youtube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9axslthfco
Life is like the chinese bamboo. We seemingly thought we do things right, nothing seems to happen. We prepare to pay the price, prepare the ground to plant the seed a...
Nevermind. Good thing repeated are better to best. No problem egg came first or chicken. These help me to encourage in our endeavour 'enforce law lawfully and follow law faithfully' through rightinformer.com which has very little result for three years. Thanks.

(72)
Iris Moskovitz,
October 30, 2009 3:08 PM

Truly a thought provoking message

Every one of us has the potential to grow spiritually, every single day. If we take the time to look all around us, and see the miracles that Hashem is performing for us- by simply allowing us to take breath after breath easily, is awesome. Take one day at a time to really learn the message that Hashem is sending to you personally, feeling the extra strength that we simply can't figure out where it came from, to deal with the days challenges. Hashem is always there supporting us. Times will be difficult, and that is when we have the most growth- think about it.

(71)
shmuel jacobson,
October 19, 2009 11:59 AM

Life changing

A pity I did not look at this prior to rosh hashana. This message has changed my perception of life

(70)
Anonymous,
October 15, 2009 12:32 PM

Very Inspiring

(69)
Anonymous,
September 30, 2009 9:29 PM

great!

Thanks! this is a phenomenal piece, perfect graphics and sound, with good editing. excellent message! great job, aish. you did it again.

(68)
Anonymous,
September 29, 2009 3:45 AM

this so inspired me i shared it with every one i know it was beautifullydone and such a powerful message thank you

(67)
Silvy,
September 22, 2009 9:42 PM

Very moving nice to listen and made me realise that Hashem see my heart...

(66)
Anonymous,
September 18, 2009 4:49 PM

a beautiful video it makes you realize that growing is a hard and long process and if you dont c the progress its still there and hashem sees it so dnt wry

(65)
David,
September 18, 2009 11:30 AM

Trully inspirational. Brings tears to my eyes. Thank you so much. The zechus is with you guy. So special.

(64)
Sarah Leah,
September 18, 2009 11:23 AM

I love this piece!

I keep coming back to this piece, again and again. I just love it! It reminds me of when Rabbi Akivah didn't think he could go to yeshiva and learn. When he was out for a walk, he noticed that a rock had been worn away by small drops of water. Then he thought, if water can wear away rock, then words of Torah can get into my head. And this was the beginning of his journey.
L'Shana Tovah to Jews everywhere!

(63)
Anonymous,
September 18, 2009 4:13 AM

Amazing, Just like the Shofar one breath such a loud voice comes out, same thing in life work on the little things first then the world opens in forn of you

(62)
joey,
September 18, 2009 2:09 AM

GISV roots are dead

Hope is eternal

(61)
Anonymous,
September 17, 2009 11:58 PM

Thank you

I will send this to my sons, I know that this will answer so many questions. Shana Tova

(60)
Eric,
September 17, 2009 10:58 PM

What wisdom!

Change to our lot in life happens slowly. Patience allows us to change our luck. Things happen gradually. Doing something about our lives takes work but it's worth it in the end, since baby steps add up.

(59)
Dawn Debus,
September 17, 2009 8:08 PM

simply beautiful!

(58)
Miriam Pineles,
September 17, 2009 7:13 PM

Strength of the Bamboo.

It is this process of growth of the Bamboo that makes it such a strong member of the plant family. Taking the time to be nourished by "water" (ie. Torah, food, loves ones)creates immense growth and strength of body and mind.

(57)
Moshe K,
September 17, 2009 12:56 PM

so too with national redemption

So it is with the redemption of our nation. At the beginning it may not be recognized as such because it seems so small, secular, materialistic. Many ask: is this the redemption we prayed for? The Divine spiritual ideal of the final redemption - which requires a great and strong physical body to receive it - works beneath the surface to first prepare its earthly foundation and receptacle. But we should not be discouraged nor disillusioned, rather keep watering and enable that great soul to reveal itself. The Sages described the generation of Messiah, saying it is good on the inside and evil on the outside, therefore we mustn't judge by what is presently revealed, rather see what is growing within and help lead it to its full expression.

(56)
Dianne Melson,
September 17, 2009 1:57 AM

This was so wonderful...

My strongest desire is to be able to grow like that,to touch and help the people i come into contact with,to have the strength and light of the Lord our God, to be after his heart and about his business..To be a strong help in uncertain times... Bless to you All

(55)
Tony Perry,
September 16, 2009 8:27 PM

Inspirational

How very true.. life is a journey and it takes time for us to realize not only what we need to change in our life but to make changes to what happens around us. This only happens when we take stock in ourselves and have our friends and family to support us. Our friends are our source of nurishment and God's spirit and lessons from the Torah help us grow. L'Shana Tova

(54)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2009 7:34 PM

Incredible

Wow! Such an amazing metaphor. You guys are so special. Shana tova!

(53)
Alex Krawzow,
September 16, 2009 6:19 PM

Tip of the Iceberg

Not everything in life is so easily apparent and so easily noticed.One must have patience to overcome, on occasion, insurmountable odds and never lose hope and always try to be strong. Shana Tova

(52)
Karen Norris,
September 16, 2009 5:29 PM

What a wonderful thing to remember. Years arent wasted but are growth underneath it all. Thanks Karen

(51)
Collette Batten,
September 16, 2009 4:18 PM

Truth is so woderful!

There are so many examples like this such as the Redwoods. Those trees have to grow together to beable to stand the strong winds. Yet see how tall and old they get. I didn't know this about Bamboo.

(50)
Pedro Acevedo,
September 16, 2009 2:32 PM

Wonderful insight

We all come to a mature point in which our growth is complete. What we ares suppossed to do once this is done is already written. Let our patient development become what Creation expects from us.

(49)
marlene klotz,
September 16, 2009 12:43 PM

beautiful and reflective....

Anything worthwhile that results in beauty requires time and patience. Sadly, everyone is in a hurry to see the fruit of their labors appear overnight.

(48)
miriamwcohen,
September 16, 2009 4:56 AM

jUST BEAUTIFUL

VERY TRUE, BUT WE DON'T LOOK AT LIFE THAT WAY; WE SHOULD; THIS IS JUST A BEAUTIFUL PIECE, MUSIC AND PHOTOS.

(47)
angela,
September 16, 2009 3:41 AM

lovely, and very much neded, does anyone know what kind of trre that is in the video???

(46)
Anonymous,
September 16, 2009 2:15 AM

I liked the video because it showed that just because we don't see ourselves changing on the outside we really are on the inside. And even if we don't feel any change we really are.

(45)
Chaya,
September 16, 2009 1:42 AM

inspiring

This true story is very inspiring. This is also about raising children. We "water them (teach them Torah and Chassidus). Fertilize them (feed them kosher food) Then after so many years we finally see their growth and start shepping nachas.

(44)
,
September 16, 2009 12:17 AM

I love it ,was send to me by my frien tanchs.

(43)
Shlomo Cohen,
September 15, 2009 8:38 PM

G-D IS GREAT !!!!!!

ITS SIMPLY UNBELIEVEBLE HOW G-D SHOWS US HIS WISDOM EVEN FROM A PLANT YOU CAN LEARN FROM A TREE THIS IS FOR WE TO THANK ALL OF THE BLESSINGS THAT WE HAVE THANKS ONLY TO HIM

(42)
Joey,
September 15, 2009 8:29 PM

Thank you! This was quite inspiring. Now if only I wouldn't keep forgetting to water myself...
God bless!

(41)
Anonymous,
September 15, 2009 7:09 PM

Oh, thank you so much:-)

(40)
Marsha Greenberg,
September 15, 2009 6:29 PM

SO MOVING!

I loved this very moving and inspirational video. It sends a fantastic message, one that needs to be heard everyday, especially this time of year! Shana Tova!

(39)
Wilder Sánchez,
September 15, 2009 4:34 PM

תודה רבה

תודה רבה

(38)
Bro. K. Ramesh,
September 15, 2009 2:30 PM

VERY ENCOURAGING

This film encouraged me a lot and boosted my hope in God. Thank You.

(37)
Carlos Luna,
September 15, 2009 12:57 PM

Thank you so much for this amazing video. It remind me that it takes, time and perseverance to see results in our way to grow up.
Shana Tova!

(36)
adelle,
September 15, 2009 10:42 AM

so inspirational

we dont always see how far we have come in our walk and sometimes we feel no progress has been made but this video really opens your eyes to the understanding that change is not always instant no matter how much we want it ! sometimes it takes time ,patience ,perserverance and trust in god.Thankyou so much for this i have shown it to my employees as a encouragement and it has impacted us all.

(35)
Zelig Pliskin,
September 15, 2009 7:00 AM

VERY INSPIRING AND MOTIVATING

This film shows a message we all need to hear and keep in mind. Day by day as we read and learn inspiring material it has an influence on us. It requires regular learning and thinking. We might not see the change at first. But eventually it's clearly noticeable.

(34)
Anonymous,
September 15, 2009 6:35 AM

Thank you for that film on the bamboo.

The film tells us not to give up but stay the course.Shana Tova to every one at Aish.com.

(33)
Esty,
September 15, 2009 2:30 AM

Just what I needed...

Thank you so much for this inspirational video. This is exactly the lesson I needed to hear right now, not to be discouraged, but to keep moving forward and then growth will appear. Thank you again. Kasiva v'chasima tova!

(32)
Daniel C. Arendt,
September 15, 2009 2:30 AM

Thank You For This Priceless Gift!

Thank you a million times over for this beautiful piece that reminds every last person on earth has value, limited only by their own doubt or fear of others. Thank you for this priceless gift.

(31)
Manasseh,
September 15, 2009 1:53 AM

Never lose hope!

This film has taught me that even though one is down and feels hopeless (chas v'shalom), nevertheless, one is encouraged to improve himself and one day, like the Bamboo in the film, he grows and grows. NEVER EVER GIVE UP! Shana Tova.

(30)
Mike R.,
September 14, 2009 11:23 PM

We are all of one faith.

Although I am of a different faith we all lead our lives through and with God. One must always reflect and take stock of our actions through our daily lives so we may continually answer in a positive way the question: " If God is in everyone then how will I treat the next person I meet?"

(29)
Larry,
September 14, 2009 10:26 PM

Thank you!

Very inspiring, gives me a LOT to think about.

(28)
Raisy,
September 14, 2009 9:34 PM

touched

I'm so moved by this. It is so true. The important things in life take time--and we need to keep watering. This was so timely; I was feeling discouraged. May you be blessed, Aish.com, for the constant inspiration you provide.

(27)
,
September 14, 2009 7:45 PM

Hashem is One

Your movie is so meaningful-it reinforces to me that Hashem's truths and unifying principles are manifest in all life.

(26)
Malky,
September 14, 2009 5:58 PM

Two drops of water ...

... are rolling down my cheeks. One heart full of hope swells just a little more. Thank you ... and Shanah tovah! :)

(25)
Anonymous,
September 14, 2009 4:34 PM

easy to identify w/

I was particularly able to identify w/ the man in the video. Growth can be very hard to attain.

(24)
Petra,
September 14, 2009 4:20 PM

I am grateful for this video.

Thank you

(23)
Binyamin Ben David,
September 14, 2009 4:03 PM

So Sweet

This film is so good.....it can give inspiration to ALL sections of the community no matter HOW observant they think they are. Shanna tova...keep up the good work

(22)
Sue,
September 14, 2009 8:21 AM

Thankyou to all at Aish.com, for the most amazing inspiritional video "The Chinese Bamboo", it has given me great encouragement, hope that ha-Shem is working behind the scenes in our lives and to keep pushing ahead learning, then the results will come.
I long to convert, but due to family circumstances I am not able to just yet. Thankfully I am able to go to Shule and keep Shabbat the best I can.
For me, with Rosh HaShanah approaching, the sound of the Shofar calling, Ha-Shem is touching each and everyones lives in a different way to encourage us. "The Chinese Bamboo" spoke to my heart so much and has encouraged me to dig deeper, show more kindness and patience, then the blessing will be greater.
Thankyou for this wonderful video, and the great teaching that comes through Aish.com, I am very, very grateful for this fantastic site.
Shana Tova,

(21)
Anonymous,
September 14, 2009 4:05 AM

you have given me hope

As my family enters its fifth year attending an orthodox shul, this really hit home. We are finally shomer shabbat, and have a fully kosher home. Sometimes it DOES take a long time for things to mature.

(20)
Anonymous,
September 14, 2009 3:49 AM

THANKS

THANKS FOR THE AMAZING VIDEO.. I THINK MANY PEOPLE RELATE TO THIS PROLEM.. I KNOW I CERTAINLY DO.. IT GAVE ME GREAT CHIZUK TO KNOW THAT SOMETHING "TANGIBLE AND REAL" CAN TEACH US THIS HARD TO LEARN LESSON IN LIFE! SHANA TOVA AND THANKS!

(19)
David,
September 14, 2009 3:35 AM

beautiful movie and nice music

yet there is deaper meaning to trusting God and putting our roots down....we can hide we can reject truth but that wont get us to the next level in life. time to be real...thanks David.

(18)
suzanne,
September 14, 2009 1:10 AM

what an inspiring video. Many of us feel like that young man, and this message encourages us not to feel down, and to the contrary have hope that we are on the right track.
Thank you! SHANA TOVA UMESUKA.

(17)
Anonymous,
September 14, 2009 12:10 AM

This is such encouragement to me. I am the only one in my family who is religious, and there are no other religious people within 5 hours of me. I do the best I can, but feel so isolated and alone - and struggle to maintain the effort to move forward some days. I feel as though I never make any progress. I will now think of this video when I am discouraged. Thank you.

(16)
,
September 13, 2009 11:26 PM

Wonderful indeed. I consider the comparison as a direct definition of what growth is. Fantastic.

(15)
Paul,
September 13, 2009 11:12 PM

Shana tova everyone

Shana tova everyone
All the best
Paul - Berkeley California

(14)
anonymous man,
September 13, 2009 10:17 PM

Was very touching and fitting for the time of year, thanks Aish.com!!!!

(13)
Celia Leal,
September 13, 2009 9:32 PM

The Chinese bamboo

Dear SIrs,
I deeply enjoyed this video: It is truly a message of hope and trust in Our God. And we need also to rejoice with our everyday efforts .
Shaná Tová and Blessings to all of Aish,. org ! Shalom!

(12)
Lilian,
September 13, 2009 9:28 PM

Thanks for this video.
i shared it like a holiday card
have a great New year!!!!!

(11)
fara chang valdes,
September 13, 2009 8:56 PM

This is highly encouraging! Patience leads to maturity and the Lord deals with us individually. He's never late.
L'Shanah Tovah!!! May this year be your sweetest! :-))

(10)
Anonymous,
September 13, 2009 8:18 PM

WOW!

thank you for this truly inspiring and true message. I could not have read it at a better time in my life. I needed the encouragement. thank you so much.

(9)
sarah,
September 13, 2009 7:44 PM

Beautiful

Its a beautiful video and very meaningful. It gives hope and strength.
Thank you so much for sharing it. Shana Tova

this was beautiful - would have loved for you to offer this and other things a Jewish Greeting cards from individual people as a free service. Can you do this???

(5)
ruth housman,
September 13, 2009 3:19 PM

every drop counts

This is so achingly beautiful. It speaks for itself.
Happy New Year!

(4)
Sarah Leah,
September 13, 2009 2:53 PM

A Mirror Moment

I LOVE this piece! It really touched the deepest part of my neshamah. Shanah Tovah

(3)
anne,
September 13, 2009 2:15 PM

The beuaty around us

sometimes 50 years have come and gone ....sometimes we no longer are watering our plants....some die some hold on and are revived in the brief periods we water again but we can always rejoice in the beauty that is part of this world...mostly in the children, the light and nature that HaShem gave to all of us....even those of us that must deal with sadness, sickness and disappointment It is there for us especially on Rosh HaShanna and every day to sustain us through the coming winter until spring again

(2)
Natalie,
September 13, 2009 1:08 PM

Beautiful

What a beautiful movie with such a deep message for us all

(1)
Joey,
September 13, 2009 9:38 AM

Great movie.

What a beautifully made movie with a deep timely message. Shana tova to all.

I’ve heard the argument made that Jews should not buy German products, for example Volkswagen cars which used Jewish slave labor during the war. It is wrong for Jews to support German industries?

My cousin says we should just forgive and forget. I would like your thoughts on the subject.

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The great rabbi known as the Chazon Ish once said that if a Torah scroll was found burning, and a man used it to light his cigarette, there is no Jewish law that forbids it. Nevertheless, doing so would show a lack of sensitivity. So too, Jewish law does not forbid purchasing a German car.

Regarding the "demand for forgiveness," people often quote the Bible that when one is struck, it is proper to "turn the other cheek" and allow that cheek to be struck as well. But that only appears in the Christian Bible. Jews believe in fighting actively against evil.

Almost all people are inherently good and so we should forgive their lapses. But some people are truly evil – for example, Amalek, the ancient nation which wantonly attacked the Jews leaving Egypt.

Over two millennia ago when Haman (a descendant of Amalek) was commanded by the king to lead his enemy Mordechai through the streets of Shushan, Mordechai was too weak to climb on to the horse. Haman had to stoop to allow Mordechai to use his back as a stepping stool. In the process, Mordechai delivered a vicious kick to Haman which obviously startled him.

Turning to Mordechai in bewilderment, Haman asked: "Does it not say in your Bible, 'Do not rejoice at your enemy's downfall?'" Mordechai responded that indeed it does, but it refers only to people less evil than Haman. So too, we have no reason or allowance to forgive the Nazis and their helpers. Those who scraped the concrete in the gas chambers gasping for air can choose whether to forgive the Germans. We cannot.

In 1977, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat addressed the Knesset in Jerusalem. Sadat was the first Arab leader to officially visit Israel, after receiving an invitation from Menachem Begin. Sadat had orchestrated the Egyptian attack on Israel in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, but after suffering defeat became resigned to the existence of the State of Israel. Much of the Arab world was outraged by Sadat's visit and his change of strategy. One year later, Sadat and Begin signed the Camp David Peace Agreement, for which they received the Nobel Peace Prize. As part of the deal, Israel withdrew from the Sinai peninsula in phases, returning the entire area to Egypt by 1983.

There are many tasks, jobs, and chores that we will end up
doing whether we really enjoy doing them or not. Many hours of our lives are spent this way. The late Rabbi Chaim Friedlander, of Ponevehz Yeshivah, used to say, "If you are going to do it anyway, do it with joy."

Train a young lad according to his method, so that when he grows older he will not deviate from it (Proverbs 22:6).

He shall not deviate from it - the child will not deviate from the method with which he was taught. That method refers to the way we are taught to adapt to life's many hurdles, struggles, and tests.

Education consists of more than just imparting knowledge; it also means training and preparation in how to deal with life. Knowledge is certainly important, but is by no means the sum total of education.

"A person does not properly grasp a Torah principle unless he errs in it" (Gittin 43b). People usually do not really grasp anything unless they first do it wrong. In fact, the hard way is the way to learn. Children learn to walk by stumbling and picking themselves up; young people learn to adjust to life by stumbling and picking themselves up.

Parents and teachers have ample opportunities to serve as role models for their children and students, to demonstrate how to adapt to mistakes and failures. If we show our children and students only our successes, but conceal our failures from them, we deprive them of the most valuable learning opportunities.

We should not allow our egos to interfere with our roles as educators. Parents and teachers fulfill their obligations when they become role models for real life.

Today I shall...

try to share with others, especially with younger people, how I have overcome and survived my mistakes.

With stories and insights,
Rabbi Twerski's new book Twerski on Machzor makes Rosh Hashanah prayers more meaningful. Click here to order...